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Random Quote: My wife told me to pick. It's her or fishing from now on. I'm gonna miss her!
hey guys, my dad & I just got a brand new 2005 Trophy 1903CC. Were rookie boaters and looking for a little advice on these waters. We'll be starting our first launches around the Potomac from Fort Washington Marina and once we become more accustomed to the boat were gonna start launching from Solomons Island and around Annapolis. Are there any spots that you guys reccomend or spots that I should watch out for or avoid. Thanks for any info you guys might have and I hope to see some of you guys in the future on the water!
good luck and have fun. The potomac is huge. lots to explore... i would not know where to start. Try using the search feature and you should find some great past info.
__________________ 18.5' Winner CC
35' Contender twin 250's
If you haven't already, a boaters safety course is a really good idea. Some states require it, but I don't think Maryland does. Get to know the rules of the road and enjoy yourself. The Power Squadron or USCG courses are a great way to learn more about boating.
Maryland requires a boater course if you were born after 1972. But regardless it is a great idea to take that course, I took it before buying my boat and really enjoyed it.
Yeah I've been reviewing the Maryland Safety Boating course guide and plan to take the exam soon. I took an online test and past it with a pretty good score. anyone else have any more suggestions as far as locations, fishing spots, restraunts, etc. Thanks guys
Fish the eastern shore side south of say Tilghman that way the fish won't glow from polution...
Just kidding
Good luck with the new boat. Not familiar with that side i am a eastern shore boy...You guys will really enjoy the water. Be sure to balance the wife and family with the boat or ...... you'll see
Around Annapolis Sandy point is a nice public ramp area to launch from. Nice and long piers. And your right near the bridge or St Thomas Pt lighthouse to fish from .
If you can afford even a portable GPS that would be helpful as well.
Go slow and be patient. Safety first.
Ask advice from locals from where ever you launch from
Thanks for the Advice so far guys. i did purchase the Magellan Meridian Marine and the ICOM m88. I'm still trying to figure out the gps unit along with the BlueNav maps that it came with. i also purchased some Chesapeake and tributaries maps/charts to further help me out. anyone have any specific waypoints that i could find useful/helpful?
There is a great book on cruising the Potomac. Has every marina, resturant and siteseeing spot you can imagine. I will try to remember to write down the real title and author when i go to the river house next.
__________________ 18.5' Winner CC
35' Contender twin 250's
Lots of great boating on the upper river. If you're more interested in cruising than fishing, I'd suggest a trip into Georgetown, and down past the Key Bridge. You may not realize it, but the water is very deep back in there, and the scenery is outstanding. I'd also suggeest a run down to Mattawoman creek, on the Maryland side across from the Occoquan River. It's a good place to anchor and just relax. Get a good chart book and you'll find lots of great places to see.
The one most valuable tip I could pass along to a new boater on the Potomac, is always keep at a minimum one pair of eyes on the water in front of you. The Potomac is notorious for the lunkers that lurk just below the surface. From Fort Washington, heading south, you are about an hour from the 301 bridge. That's a pretty nice trip! Several places as you head down. In the Occoquan there's Oasis for a watering hole, further south, you have Tim's I just south of Leesylvania State park on the Virginia side, then you have Quantico , and a pretty good hike to Tim's II at Fairview beach one of the most popular weekend anchorages. Another 20 minutes and you're at Pope's creek, and you can see the 301 bridge. When you start exploring stay in the channel! If I missed any watering holes along the way folks, please let me know.
AHH I knew that well i'm more interested in Fishing spots. plannign on launching from Solomon's Island this weekend. anyone know any gps waypoints i should check out?
new boater 
well i'm more interested in Fishing spots. plannign on launching from Solomon's Island this weekend. anyone know any gps waypoints i should check out? 
